Sap from a maple tree is a clear, slightly sweet liquid that is harvested in late winter or early spring when temperatures rise above freezing. The sap is collected by drilling a small hole in the trunk and placing a spile and bucket to catch the dripping sap. Maple sap is boiled down to create maple syrup, a popular sweetener used in many culinary applications. In fantasy settings, maple sap may have magical properties, such as being used in spells or potions related to sweetness or attraction. The sap may also be considered a valuable commodity due to its rarity or unique properties, and may be sought after by alchemists or other magic users.